Ghalilah |
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Ghalilah is a small fishing village north of Ras Al Khaimah located along the road, between the sea and the foot of the Hajar Mountains. It has numerous palm tree groves, a small harbour and consists of several traditional houses situated by small village roads. Nevertheless, its tranquil nature is somehow spoiled due to extensive development of the nearby Ras Al Khaimah’s Industrial Zone. The Saqr Port and cement factories, which are located just before Ghalilah, changed its nature and the village is slowly becoming an integral part of the Industrial Zone of the Emirate. Since 2005, Ghalilah also has a big seawater desalination plant, one of the largest in the Persian Gulf, producing 13,650m3 of potable water per day.
WADI GHALILAH
LOCATION: around 26km north of Ras Al Khaimah. Drive north on Oman Rd. After around 22km from the centre of Ras Al Khaimah, you should reach Khor Khuwair. From the second roundabout in this town, measure 400m and turn right into Wadi Ghalilah. There is also a sign indicating the wadi. Travel through the wadi and then shortly before the last village, turn right to see a dam. From there you can also start the Stairways to Heaven adventure. GPS: N25o58’ 50.98” E56o08’ 44.49”
Wadi Ghalilah is a rather long wadi that offers many hiking routes, of which the most famous is the Stairway to Heaven, as it is locally called. The track consists largely, like the name suggest, of stairways, which were built by the Shihuh tribe who used it as a way up to the villages on the plateau. The hiking path leads up to 1,930m above the sea level. It can take up to 12 hours of hard physical work to climb up, therefore it is essential to be fit, in good health and well prepared. It is wise to go with someone who knows the route. Only recently, two young climbers were lost in that area and they had to be rescued by a police helicopter. In the book “UAE Off-Road”, published by the Explorer Group, you can find more details concerning the route and necessary preparations. Remember that local tribes still occupy certain areas on the way, so respect their privacy and habits.
WADI SUQ TOMB AND ZAYED HERITAGE VILLAGE
LOCATION: Ghalilah, 26km north of Ras Al Khaimah. A drive of about 1.7km from the wadi entrance takes you to the Zayed Heritage Village, where one of the Wadi Suq tombs is located. There is a sign saying: Zayed Heritage Village and another with Ghalia Ancient Cemetery on. This heritage place from the outside looks like a walled house, but if the gate is opened, you should not hesitate to enter. On the other side of the road, houses of Ghalilah town are situated. You can get there by driving to the next roundabout, 900m away, and then turning left. GPS: Ghalilah Tomb – N25o59’ 17.56” E56o04’ 53.10” PHONE:07 2666118 FEES: Free of charge
Ghalilah is probably best known for the Wadi Suq tombs, which date from 2000 to 1600BC. One of the tombs investigated by a team of archaeologist from Britain came to be known as the Ghalilah Tomb, due to its unique shape that had not been examined before. The tomb was ovoid with a central internal plinth forming a double chamber with partially paved floor and entrance to the north. The outer wall supported large roofing slabs covering the remains of some 53 persons. This tomb can be seen in the Zayed Heritage Village, which proudly presents it and protects it from damage. Only a few objects found inside, namely bronze rings, represented Wadi Suq period. Most of the grave goods, mainly pottery, but also bronze objects and beads, came from the Iron Age (1200-300BC), as the people of that era re-used older tombs. Additionally, a small, 1st century BC Parthian flask was discovered lying against the outside wall of the tomb. These finds are displayed in the RAK National Museum.
The heritage village is worth a visit on its own. It is run by a local person, who passionate about the local history and heritage. Over the years, he has gathered a spectacular collection of silver jewellery, weaponry and has opened a well stocked library. All visitors are welcome.
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Wadi Suq Tomb in Ghalilah |
